Integrated camera module

Abstract

An integrated camera module includes a first camera module, a second camera module and an infrared light source. The first camera module includes a plurality of color photosensitive pixels, and the color photosensitive pixels are configured to capture a color image. The second camera module includes a plurality of infrared photosensitive pixels and a plurality of monochromatic photosensitive pixels. The infrared photosensitive pixels are configured to capture a reflected light of an infrared light reflected from a user, so that the second camera module performs facial recognition according to the reflected light. The monochromatic photosensitive pixels are configured to enable the second camera module to perform Human Presence Detection or perform a detection of ambient-light intensity after shooting. The infrared light source is configured to emit the infrared light.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a camera module, and more particularly to an integrated camera module. Prior Technology

[0002] With the advancement of technology, consumer demand for thin and light notebook computers and monitors is increasing. However, in current technology, the functional modules of notebook computers and monitors are often fragmented, which leads to the following problems.

[0003] Traditional camera modules are primarily used for image capture but lack other sensing capabilities. Functions such as Human Presence Detection (HPD), Ambient Light Detection, and Color Detection are typically performed by separate sensors. However, multiple separate sensors increase product costs, occupy system space, and hinder the slim and lightweight design of devices. Furthermore, the operation of multiple independent components increases energy consumption and reduces the device's battery life. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides an integrated camera module that can integrate multiple sensing functions while reducing the number of hardware components.

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention provides an integrated camera module, comprising a first camera module, a second camera module, and an infrared light source. The first camera module includes multiple color photosensitive pixels for capturing color images. The second camera module includes multiple infrared photosensitive pixels and multiple monochrome photosensitive pixels. The infrared photosensitive pixels capture reflected light after infrared light is reflected from the user, enabling the second camera module to perform facial recognition based on the reflected light. The monochrome photosensitive pixels enable the second camera module to perform human presence detection or ambient light intensity detection after capturing the image. The infrared light source emits infrared light.

[0006] Based on the above, in the integrated camera module of the present invention, multiple color photosensitive pixels of the first camera module are used to capture color images. An infrared light source is used to emit infrared light. The infrared photosensitive pixels of the second camera module are used to capture the reflected light after the infrared light is reflected from the user, enabling the second camera module to perform facial recognition based on the reflected light. The monochrome photosensitive pixels of the second camera module are used to enable the second camera module to perform human presence detection or ambient light intensity detection after capturing images. In other words, the integrated camera module can simultaneously integrate multiple functions such as image capture, human presence detection, ambient light detection, and color sensing. Therefore, by reducing the number of hardware components, in addition to reducing costs, system space can be saved and energy efficiency can be improved, thereby achieving design goals such as thinness, low power consumption, and increased battery life. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0007] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an integrated camera module mounted on an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a block diagram of an integrated camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a first camera module in an integrated camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a second camera module in an integrated camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Implementation

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an integrated camera module disposed on an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a block diagram of an integrated camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a first camera module in an integrated camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a second camera module in an integrated camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4. An embodiment of the present invention provides an integrated camera module 100. The integrated camera module 100 includes a first camera module 110, a second camera module 120, and an infrared light source 130. The first camera module 110 includes a plurality of color photosensitive pixels 112 for capturing color images. The second camera module 120 includes a plurality of infrared photosensitive pixels 122 and a plurality of monochrome photosensitive pixels 124. The infrared photosensitive pixels 122 are used to capture the reflected light IR' after the infrared light IR is reflected from the user U, enabling the second camera module 120 to perform face recognition based on the reflected light IR'. The monochrome photosensitive pixels 124 are used to enable the second camera module 120 to perform human presence detection or ambient light EL intensity detection after capturing the image. The infrared light source 130 is used to emit infrared light IR.

[0010] In detail, the integrated camera module 100 may be disposed, for example, on the electronic device 10. The electronic device 10 may be, for example, a laptop, tablet computer, or smartphone, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0011] In this embodiment, the first camera module 110 is used to provide high-quality color images. The color photosensitive pixel 112 may include, for example, red, green, and blue light-sensitive pixels. Furthermore, the color photosensitive pixel 112 may be composed of a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) or charge-coupled device (CCD) light sensor, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Therefore, in addition to providing clear color images, the first camera module 110 can also use the color photosensitive pixel 112 as a color sensor.

[0012] In this embodiment, the monochrome photosensitive pixel 124 of the second camera module 120 can be a visible light photosensitive pixel, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The monochrome photosensitive pixel 124 can be composed of a photosensitive sensor such as a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) or a charge-coupled device (CCD), but the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, the second camera module 120 may also include an analysis chip for performing human presence detection. The analysis chip can analyze the user U's face direction, eye movement direction, gaze duration, etc., based on the reflected light IR', and only output the analysis results, but the present invention is not limited thereto either.

[0013] In this embodiment, the integrated camera module 100 further includes a shutter 140 and a processor 150. The shutter 140 is adapted to be positioned on the light-sensitive path of the first camera module 110. The processor 150 is electrically connected to the first camera module 110, the second camera module 120, the infrared light source 130, and the shutter 140. The processor 150 is used to control the opening and closing of the first camera module 110, the second camera module 120, and the infrared light source 130, and to allow the shutter 140 to be switchably positioned or not positioned on the light-sensitive path of the first camera module 110.

[0014] In this embodiment, the light transmittance of shutter 140 can be greater than 70%, and the haze of shutter 140 can be greater than 80%. Because shutter 140 is designed to have high light transmittance, when shutter 140 is positioned on the light-sensing path of the first camera module 110, sufficient light can still pass through shutter 140, allowing the first camera module 110 to perform color sensing. Simultaneously, because shutter 140 is designed to have high haze, when shutter 140 is positioned on the light-sensing path of the first camera module 110, the first camera module 110 cannot capture a clear image, thus protecting user privacy.

[0015] In this embodiment, the processor 150 may include, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a programmable controller, a programmable logic device (PLD), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or other similar devices or combinations thereof, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the functions of the processor 150 may be implemented as multiple code snippets. These code snippets are stored in a memory unit and executed by the processor 150. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the functions of the processor 150 may be implemented as one or more circuits. The present invention does not limit the implementation of the functions of the processor 150 in software or hardware.

[0016] The following will describe the various possible operating modes in which the integrated camera module 100 of the present invention can be used.

[0017] In this embodiment, in the first mode (normal mode), the processor 150 prevents the shutter 140 from being positioned on the light-sensing path of the first camera module 110, thus enabling the first camera module 110 to open, and enabling the monochrome photosensitive pixel 124 of the second camera module 120 to open, while keeping the infrared photosensitive pixel 122 and infrared light source 130 of the second camera module 120 in standby mode. Therefore, in this mode, the system can perform image capture and color detection, and can continuously perform human presence detection and ambient light intensity detection. Simultaneously, the infrared photosensitive pixel 122 and infrared light source 130 of the second camera module 120 are in standby mode, and the system can be activated at any time for face recognition.

[0018] In this embodiment, in the second mode (privacy protection mode), the processor 150 sets the shutter 140 on the light-sensing path of the first camera module 110, activates the monochrome photosensitive pixels 124 of both the first camera module 110 and the second camera module 120, and keeps the infrared photosensitive pixels 122 and infrared light source 130 of the second camera module 120 in standby mode. Therefore, in this mode, although the system cannot perform image capture, it can still perform color detection and continuously perform human presence detection and ambient light intensity detection. Meanwhile, the functions of the infrared photosensitive pixels 122 and infrared light source 130 of the second camera module 120 are unaffected and can be activated at any time for face recognition.

[0019] In this embodiment, in the third mode (login mode, such as Windows Hello), the processor 150 activates the infrared photosensitive pixels 122 and infrared light source 130 of the first camera module 110 and the second camera module 120, and activates or deactivates the monochrome photosensitive pixels 124 of the second camera module 120. Therefore, when identity verification is required, activating the infrared photosensitive pixels 122 and infrared light source 130 allows the system to perform facial feature comparison of the user U for identity verification.

[0020] In this embodiment, in the fourth mode (sleep state wake-up mode), the processor 150 sets the shutter 140 on the light-sensing path of the first camera module 110 and activates the monochrome photosensitive pixel 124 of the second camera module 120. When the second camera module 120 detects user U, the processor 150 causes the infrared photosensitive pixel 122 of the first camera module 110, the monochrome photosensitive pixel 124 of the second camera module 120, and the infrared light source 130 to enter other modes. That is, when user U is detected by the monochrome photosensitive pixel 124 of the second camera module 120, the system automatically wakes from sleep mode and can automatically / dynamically adjust the brightness and color temperature of the display according to the ambient light intensity (EL) and color. Simultaneously, it can switch between different operating modes to balance functional requirements and privacy protection, and maximize energy efficiency based on the operating status of each component.

[0021] In summary, in one embodiment of the present invention, the integrated camera module includes a first camera module, a second camera module, and an infrared light source. The first camera module includes multiple color photosensitive pixels for capturing color images. The second camera module includes multiple infrared photosensitive pixels and multiple monochrome photosensitive pixels. The infrared light source emits infrared light, and the infrared photosensitive pixels capture the reflected light after the infrared light is reflected from the user, enabling the second camera module to perform facial recognition based on the reflected light. The monochrome photosensitive pixels enable the second camera module to perform human presence detection or ambient light intensity detection after capturing the image. Therefore, the integrated camera module can simultaneously integrate multiple functions such as image capture, human presence detection, ambient light detection, and color sensing. Moreover, by reducing the number of hardware components, in addition to reducing costs, it can also save system space and improve energy efficiency, thereby achieving design goals such as thinness, low power consumption, and increased battery life.

[0022] 10: Electronic devices 100: Integrated camera module 110: First camera module 112: Color photosensitive pixels 120: Second camera module 122: Infrared light-sensing pixels 124: Monochrome pixels 130: Infrared light source 140: Shutter speed 150: Processor EL: Ambient Light IR: Infrared light IR': reflected light U: User

Claims

1. An integrated camera module, comprising: A first camera module, comprising multiple color photosensitive pixels, for capturing color images; A second camera module includes: a plurality of infrared light-sensitive pixels for capturing reflected light from an infrared light source after it has been reflected from a user, so that the second camera module can perform facial recognition based on the reflected light; The first camera module includes multiple monochrome photosensitive pixels for detecting human presence or ambient light intensity after shooting; an infrared light source for emitting infrared light; a shutter adapted to be set on the photosensitive path of the first camera module; and a processor electrically connected to the first camera module, the second camera module, the infrared light source, and the shutter for controlling the opening and closing of the first camera module, the second camera module, and the infrared light source, and for switching the shutter on or off on the photosensitive path of the first camera module.

2. The integrated camera module as described in claim 1, wherein the light transmittance of the shutter is greater than 70%.

3. The integrated camera module as described in claim 1, wherein the shutter has a haze greater than 80%.

4. The integrated camera module as claimed in claim 1, wherein in a first mode, the processor causes the shutter to be off-center from the light-sensitive path of the first camera module, turns on the first camera module, turns on the monochrome light-sensitive pixels of the second camera module, and keeps the infrared light-sensitive pixels and the infrared light source of the second camera module in standby mode.

5. The integrated camera module as claimed in claim 1, wherein in a second mode, the processor sets the shutter on the light-sensitive path of the first camera module, turns on the monochrome light-sensitive pixels of the first camera module and the second camera module, and keeps the infrared light-sensitive pixels and the infrared light source of the second camera module in a standby state.

6. The integrated camera module as claimed in claim 1, wherein in a third mode, the processor enables the infrared light-sensing pixels of the first camera module and the second camera module and the infrared light source to turn on, and enables or disables the monochrome light-sensing pixels of the second camera module.

7. The integrated camera module as claimed in claim 1, wherein in a fourth mode, the processor sets the shutter on the light-sensitive path of the first camera module and turns on the monochrome light-sensitive pixels of the second camera module, wherein when the second camera module detects the user, the processor causes the first camera module, the infrared light-sensitive pixels of the second camera module, the monochrome light-sensitive pixels of the second camera module, and the infrared light source to enter other modes.

Images